Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Violations Lawyer New Jersey — What Are Your Defense Options?
A Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigation in New Jersey can lead to severe federal penalties, including multi-million dollar fines and imprisonment. As a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations lawyer New Jersey, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for corporations and individuals accused of foreign bribery. Our firm, founded in 1997, has extensive experience handling federal white-collar cases.
Understanding the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act is a federal law with two main provisions: the anti-bribery provisions and the accounting provisions. The anti-bribery provisions make it unlawful for U.S. persons and businesses, foreign companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges, or certain foreign persons acting within the U.S. to corruptly offer or pay anything of value to a foreign official to obtain or retain business. The accounting provisions require issuers of securities in the U.S. to maintain accurate books and records and to devise and maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | U.S. Department of Justice.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the FCPA, you can review the statute on the U.S. Department of Justice website. For federal court procedures in New Jersey, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Defending Against FCPA Charges in New Jersey
An FCPA violation defense lawyer New Jersey must understand the unique pressures of federal investigations, which often involve parallel proceedings by the DOJ and SEC. In the Newark federal court, cases can move swiftly from investigation to indictment. A key local procedural fact is that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey has a dedicated Fraud and Public Protection Division that handles FCPA matters, often coordinating with the DOJ’s Fraud Section in Washington, D.C.
- Immediate Legal Consultation: Contact a federal defense attorney as soon as you are aware of a potential investigation or subpoena.
- Internal Investigation: Conduct a privileged internal investigation to understand the scope of the alleged misconduct.
- Government Engagement: Develop a strategy for voluntary disclosure or response to government inquiries, weighing the potential benefits against the risks.
- Document Review & Defense: Analyze the applicability of FCPA defenses, such as the facilitating payments exception, local law defense, or bona fide business expense defense.
- Resolution Negotiation: Negotiate for a favorable outcome, which may range from a declination to a DPA, non-prosecution agreement (NPA), or a plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for FCPA Violations
In New Jersey, FCPA violations are prosecuted federally and can result in corporate fines up to $25 million, individual fines up to $5 million, and imprisonment for up to 20 years per violation.
| Entity | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corporations | Federal Crime | N/A | Up to $25,000,000 | Disgorgement of profits, SEC enforcement, debarment from government contracts. |
| Individuals (Anti-Bribery) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $5,000,000 | Personal asset forfeiture, loss of professional licenses, permanent corporate director/officer bars. |
| Individuals (Accounting) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $5,000,000 | SEC civil penalties, employment termination, industry exclusion. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of handling sensitive federal investigations. Our approach is built on a deep understanding of federal procedure and the strategies employed by agencies like the DOJ and SEC.
Case Results in Federal Matters
While every case is unique, our firm’s extensive litigation background informs our defense strategies in federal court. We have represented clients in various federal districts, including New Jersey.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our New Jersey Federal Defense Lawyers
If you are under investigation or have been charged with an FCPA violation, immediate action is necessary. Our firm provides 24/7 phone consultations. We serve clients throughout New Jersey, including those near federal courthouses in Newark, Trenton, and Camden.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
By appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
24/7 Phone Consultations | Meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: FCPA Defense in New Jersey
What is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act?
Yes. The FCPA is a U.S. federal law that prohibits bribery of foreign officials to obtain or retain business and requires certain companies to maintain accurate financial records.
Can I go to jail for an FCPA violation?
Yes. Individuals convicted of violating the FCPA’s anti-bribery provisions face up to 20 years in federal prison per count. An experienced foreign bribery charge lawyer New Jersey can work to mitigate this severe risk through pre-indictment negotiations and trial defense.
What should I do if my company receives an FCPA subpoena?
Immediately contact legal counsel to begin a privileged internal investigation. Do not destroy any documents or communicate about the matter internally without legal advice. An FCPA violation defense lawyer New Jersey can guide the response to preserve legal options.
What are the main defenses to an FCPA charge?
Key defenses include demonstrating that a payment was a lawful facilitating payment for routine government action, that the payment was lawful under the written laws of the foreign country, or that the money was a bona fide business expense. Asserting these defenses requires detailed factual and legal analysis.
Does the FCPA only apply to large corporations?
No. The FCPA applies to all U.S. persons and businesses, foreign companies listed on U.S. exchanges, and certain foreign persons acting within the U.S. This includes small businesses, their officers, employees, and agents.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations.
A foreign corrupt practices act violations case is one part of general federal criminal defence work, and our page on treason lawyer New Jersey covers the wider process.